Monday morning quarterback: coulda, shoulda, woulda
The President’s Cup ended with the Best Finish Ever. If you missed it (where are your priorities??), you missed high drama and stellar play on both sides culminating in Chris DiMarco’s unforgettable birdie on 18 — he was the last player on the course. More here. With such a competitive and dramatic Cup, there’s little sense in second guessing any of the calls made on either side. It was such a masterpiece. But, then again, what would Monday be without some random parting shots on what could’ve been…
1. Ernie, o captain, my captain: If Ernie Els was not injured, U.S. probably loses.
2. South African connection: Gary Player picked youngster and fellow South African Trevor Immelman as a captain’s pick. Trevor went 1-3. K.J. Choi and Shigeki Maruyama were higher ranked in the world rankings, and both had President’s Cup experience (Shigeki holds the record for highest points 5-0). I’ll say no more.
3. No. 1 and No. 2 ,studs duds: Tiger Woods and Vijay Singh did not play like they were Nos. 1 and 2 in the world. All of the amazing Tigerlike shots were hit by people other than Tiger. Tiger’s biggest regret, Not doing better for The Golf Blog’s Question of the Month. Vijay’s biggest regret, Wearing the soulpatch on my face — why didn’t my wife tell me I look pretty silly?
4. Golden Oldies: This was the oldest US squad ever, with 3 players above 40 — Couples, Davis Love, and Kenny Perry. All 3 won their singles matches on Sunday, after tough first 2 days. Way to go. Not sure how long they will last. Time to get Sean O’Hair geared up. And when is John Daly ever going to get invited to one of these?
5. Robots v. Mick ‘n Marco: Besides Ernie, the biggest thing we missed out on this week: the marquee matchup between Phil Mickelson/Chris DiMarco v. Retief Goosen/Adam Scott, both teams undefeated in the team play. Why didn’t Gary Player and Jack Nicklaus make this happen? And can you believe that Tiger Woods is not one of the members of the best U.S. pairing? Maybe Gottabreak80 was right?
6. Captain Jack Nicklaus: Great victory and great sportmanship. We know, by your example, that it wouldn’t have mattered if your team won or lost on points. Just one class act.
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